After opening the season with a disappointing loss to Georgia Tech, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders is ready to shake things up. In his weekly press conference on Tuesday, Sanders confirmed that five-star freshman quarterback Julian Lewis will make his Colorado debut this Saturday against FBS newcomer Delaware.
Sanders also provided key injury updates on wide receiver Omarion Miller and running back Dallan Hayden as the Buffaloes prepare for their Week 2 matchup.
Deion Sanders, Colorado Set For Julian Lewis Debut
Coach Prime made headlines Tuesday by revealing that Julian “JuJu” Lewis, one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 recruiting class, will see the field in Week 2. While Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter will remain the starter, Lewis will split time and get his first taste of college football action.
“Julian will make his debut on Saturday,” Sanders said. “We’re excited to see what he can do.”
Coach Prime says true freshman QB Julian Lewis will make his Colorado debut on Saturday vs. Delaware.
Kaidon Salter is still the starter. pic.twitter.com/RhlaWDNRLv
— Scott Procter (@ScottProcter_) September 2, 2025
Lewis enters Boulder as one of the most highly anticipated recruits in program history. A consensus five-star prospect, he was ranked the No. 6 quarterback in the 2025 class by 247Sports and rated No. 2 overall nationally by ESPN.
He chose Colorado over powerhouse offers from Alabama, USC, Auburn, and others, marking one of Coach Prime’s biggest recruiting wins since taking over the program.
Lewis is also Colorado’s highest-rated recruit in the ESPN 300 era (since 2006) and the fourth top-25 recruit to commit to the Buffaloes. For Sanders, getting Lewis on the field early represents a major step toward building the future of Colorado football.
Omarion Miller Injury Update
Sanders also addressed the status of junior wide receiver Omarion Miller, who is dealing with a hamstring injury. Miller, who missed the second half of last season due to injuries, has not practiced since Friday.
“Omarion has not practiced since Friday,” Sanders explained, per Scott Procter. “We’re not hurting in either of those rooms.”
Coach Prime says WR Omarion Miller (hamstring) has not practiced since Friday
RB Dallan Hayden (hand) has returned to practice but status still TBD
“We’re not hurting in either of those rooms.”
— Scott Procter (@ScottProcter_) September 2, 2025
Miller showed flashes of potential in 2024, recording 10 receptions for 216 yards and one touchdown in limited action.
While he only caught passes in two games, his ability to stretch defenses vertically gives Colorado an important offensive weapon when healthy. His availability for Saturday remains doubtful unless he can return to practice later in the week.
Dallan Hayden Back at Practice
There was more optimism surrounding running back Dallan Hayden, who transferred to Colorado after a stint at Ohio State. Hayden returned to practice this week after dealing with a hand injury, though Sanders noted that his status for Saturday’s game is still to be determined.
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Colorado’s depth at both running back and wide receiver gives Sanders some flexibility as the Buffs prepare to bounce back from their season-opening defeat.
With Lewis set to make his highly anticipated debut and ongoing questions about key contributors like Miller and Hayden, Colorado fans will have plenty to watch for against Delaware. While Salter remains QB1, Deion Sanders’ decision to put Lewis on the field signals that the future of the Buffaloes’ football has officially arrived.
